Spotted Sea Trout Fishing, Tips to Succeed

This article on spotted sea trout fishing tips will help anglers catch more of these popular inshore saltwater fish.

Spotted sea trout, also known as speckled trout, are plentiful in the inshore waters of the southeastern United States. They are arguably the most popular saltwater inshore game fish species. Spotted sea trout range from Maryland down the East Coast and along the entire Gulf of Mexico. Trout are a beautiful fish that strikes hard, hits artificial lures readily, are usually cooperative, and are terrific eating! What more could an angler ask for?

Capt Jim has been a fishing guide in Sarasota, Florida since 1991. Anglers who are interested in purchasing the equipment that he uses and writes about in his articles can do so HERE on the PRODUCTS page.

There are quite a few different areas that provide excellent fishing for spotted sea trout. However, the prime areas for both numbers and trophy fish are the bays and flats all along the Gulf Coast. The waters from the Ten Thousand Islands in southwest Florida north and around the coastline to Texas provide perfect habitat for these fish. The abundance of shallow water flats with grass and oyster bottom are perfect for sea trout to flourish.

Spotted sea trout can be caught on a wide variety of artificial lures and live bait. The top live baits are shrimp and small bait fish such as pinfish, grunts, mullet, croakers, and herring. The jig and grub combo is the most popular artificial lure. Plugs also catch plenty of spotted sea trout. Spoons are another effective lure. Anglers fly fishing catch plenty of spotted sea trout as well.

18 Spotted Sea Trout Fishing Tips

Following is a list of 18 useful tips on fishing for spotted sea trout. These tips will help anglers understand the local migrations, tips, and tackle that are effective for catching fish.

1) Grass flats hold spotted sea trout

Anglers targeting spotted sea trout will do well to find grass. Submerged grass flats are the prime fish holding habitat for speckled trout. The shallow grass holds bait fish and crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp. This is the main forage for spotted sea trout and other saltwater species. Grass grows in Florida in water up to ten feet deep. Trout will be found at any depth, with the fish being deeper in the cooler and warmer months.

2) Trophy trout are found in shallow water

It sounds like a paradox, but the largest fish are often found in the shallowest water. Large spotted sea trout are often times loners. They abandoned the sanctuary of the large schools to strike it out on their own. Once they reach 20 inches in size or so, they have very few predators. Dolphin, sharks, large birds, and large predator fish are there only true enemies at this point. Therefore, they are more comfortable in shallower water than are the smaller trout. Large schools of smaller trout, between 12″ and 16″, are often found in deeper water on the flats.

3) Spotted sea trout love shrimp

Shrimp are the primary forage for spotted sea trout for most of their lives. This can be said for many other saltwater species as well. Shrimp are abundant on the flats throughout the southeastern United States. They are rich in protein and are relatively easy prey. Anglers targeting spotted sea trout will do well using live shrimp or artificial lures that imitate shrimp. Many lures including jigs are designed to mimic the erratic motion of a fleeing shrimp. They definitely trigger strikes!

4) Large baits will catch trophy fish

As trout grow, they gradually switch their diet from shrimp and crustaceans to large bait fish. Ever the opportunist, large trout will rarely turn down a nice juicy shrimp. However, larger bait fish such as grunts, mullet, croakers, and pin fish become more important parts of their diet. Larger trout will have to feed less often if they can find more substantial meals. Anglers targeting trophy trout will do well using larger hard body plugs, soft plastic jerk baits, and live bait fish. Topwater plugs in particular tend to fool larger spotted sea trout.

5) Popping corks produce a lot of trout

It would be easy to make the argument that more speckled trout have been caught by anglers using a live shrimp under a popping cork than all other methods put together. Popping corks are an incredibly effective technique for trout and other species. It consists of a noisy float, or cork, which makes a popping sound when twitched on the surface. This simulates fish feeding and attracts game fish to the noise. Some corks simply slide onto the line while others require a leader from the cork to the hook.

Once drawn to the sound of the popping cork, the helpless shrimp just dangling there will usually draw a strike. Anglers will it just the float depth so that the shrimp suspense just above the submerge grass or bottom. Other baits besides live shrimp can be used as well. Many anglers of late have switched to using artificial lures, especially soft plastic baits, under the cork. A small live bait fish can be used as well.

6) Spotted sea trout love the jig and grub combo

The combination of a lead head jig and a soft plastic grub body is without a doubt the number one spotted sea trout artificial lure. Size requirements will vary, however a 1/4 ounce jig with a 3 inch to 4 inch grub is an excellent all-around bait. Anglers can choose a tail that resembles the available forage.

Soft plastic tails can imitate crabs, shrimp, and bait fish. Shad tail and twister tail bates have a lot of built in action. Paddle tail and shrimp tail lures require more of a twitch from the angler. Dark colors work well in darker waters. Light colors perform best in clear water. Bright colors such as pink and chartreuse will stand out in dirty water.

7) Spotted sea trout will bite at night

Lighted docks and bridges will attract shrimp and glass minnows at night. This in turn will attract spotted sea trout and other predator fish. They will lurk in the shadows just outside the light, waiting to pounce on their prey. Strong outgoing tides are preferred. The best approach is to anchor up current and 45° from the light or shadow line. Anglers then cast upstream ahead of the light and allow the current to take the lure or bait to the fish. Most bites will occur in the transition area where the shadow line is.

8) Oyster bars attract spotted sea trout

While many anglers focus on grass beds, and rightfully so, oyster bars are fantastic spots for speckled trout fishing. The best bars will be shallow on one side while dropping off to several feet of water on the other. Most fish will be caught on the deeper edge as the trout cruise in search of food. Low, incoming tides are best as it will concentrate fish in the deeper areas. Spotted sea trout caught near oyster bars are often loners, and larger, fish.

9) Winter spotted sea trout will seek deep water

Spotted sea trout will school up in big numbers in holes in channels in the wintertime. Water temperatures that drop down into the low 50s will send spotted sea trout scurrying for warmer water. This can be the channel of the Intracoastal Waterway, deeper residential canals, holes in the flats, and outside bends and rivers. Passes and inlets will also hold winter trout. A free lined live shrimp is tough to beat. Jigs bounced on the bottom will produce fish as well. Anglers locating such as school can experience incredible, nonstop action!

10) Release tools for spotted sea trout fishing

Anglers targeting spotted sea trout should always have a release tool on board. These are clever little devices with a “j” at the end of them. They allow the angler to slide the tool down and grab the hook, then simply shake the trout off. This is best for the fish as the angler never actually has to put his or her hands on the fish. Spotted sea trout are a bit delicate and need to be handled gently.

11) High tides and top water plugs equal trophy spotted sea trout

Topwater plugs fished over oyster bars and shallow flats on the high tide stage will draw strikes from some large spotted sea trout. This is particularly true early and late in the day or on days where there is cloud cover present. As mentioned earlier, larger speckled trout target larger bait fish. A large top water plug realistically mimics a wounded mullet. This is one of the spotted sea trout’s favorite prey.

12) Tides are important when spotted trout fishing

Like most aspects of saltwater fishing, tides are very important when it comes to targeting spotted sea trout. Many anglers fishing the flats prefer two hours before and after the high tide. Outgoing tides are generally more productive when fishing tidal creeks as well as passes and inlets. Extreme low tides and winter will concentrate trout in holes. However, as long as the water is moving, fish can be located and caught someplace.

13) Plugs are effective baits for spotted sea trout

Plugs are not only effective, they are a lot of fun to fish. They tend to entice larger fish than do jigs and other lures. Top water plugs are great early and late in the day. Shallow diving plugs have an erratic action and are excellent for casting to oyster bars and shorelines. Suspending twitch plugs are deadly when fished over the deeper grass flats. Anglers do need to be mindful of the treble hooks.

14) Live bait fish are terrific for catching spotted sea trout

Live bait fish catch both numbers and quality spotted sea trout. Scaled sardines are very effective in the warmer months. Both grunts, also known as pig fish, and croaker are extremely effective baits for spotted sea trout. They will also generally catch larger than average fish. Both of these fish put out distress sounds when hooked. This is the sound of the dinner bell ringing for spotted sea trout! In shallow water these baits are fished under a float. In deeper water in channels a little weight can be added to get them to the bottom.

15) Locate spotted sea trout by trolling

Spotted sea trout will often times scatter out over a large grass flat. It can take a lot of time for anglers to eliminate unproductive water. This is especially true on days without some wind. Trolling is an excellent technique that can be used to minimize the prospecting time. Spoons, shallow diving plugs, and jigs with a bait fish tail can all be used. Anglers should troll slowly, just above idle speed, over various steps until fish are located.

16) Spotted sea trout will be found in larger numbers over deeper grass flats

Grass flats in water between 4 feet deep and 8 feet deep will hold school sized spotted sea trout. These fish will average between 14 inches and 18 inches long. They will school up by size in fairly large numbers over these deeper flats. The deeper water gives them a sense of security. Anglers seeking numbers of fish and good action will do well casting artificial lures and live bait over these areas.

17) Wading is a productive technique when spotted sea trout fishing

Wading is a very productive shallow water trout fishing technique. Spotted sea trout can be quite spooky in shallow water. Boats make noise, no matter how quiet anglers try to be. Wading allows anglers to quietly and thoroughly work a stretch of water.

Fly Fishing for spotted sea trout

This article is about our ladies fly fishing Florida. Anglers have the opportunity to catch many different species in Sarasota Bay in the inshore Gulf of Mexico.

Fly fishing is enjoyed by many anglers visiting Florida. Any fish species that can be caught on and artificial lure will take a well presented fly. Most anglers can learn to cast well enough to catch a fish with just a few hours of practice. The following information is geared to the novice angler that is interested in getting into the sport of fly fishing.

The primary difference between fly fishing and spin fishing is that and fly fishing the line provides the wait for casting. With spin fishing, it is the other way around. Realizing this will help take some of the mystery out of fly fishing. It really is not that difficult to learn. However, as in all fishing, proper equipment is important.

Fly fishing tackle

The three major components of a fly fishing outfit are the rod, line, and reel. Believe it or not, the real is the least important of the three. It basically holds the line and provides drag on a larger fish. The vast majority of time, the line will be manipulated with the anglers hand.

Fly tackle is designated by “weight”, shown as”Wt” on rods. A 6wt rod is then matched to a 6wt line along with a corresponding reel. Not to over complicate, but rods also come in various actions and lines come in several different forms. The easiest rod for most anglers starting out fly fishing is a “mid flex” rod. This is the most forgiving action and the easiest to learn how to cast.

Fly lines come in floating, sink tip, and full sinking varieties. Floating lines are the easiest to use while full sinking lines are the most difficult. In between is the sink tip line, which is the most versatile all round fly line for most anglers fly fishing Florida.

7 wt outfits are a great choice for fly anglers

So, the best all around fly fishing outfit for someone new to the sport would be a 7wt rod with a medium or mid flex action, a 7wt intermediate sink tip line, and a matching reel. Fly lines are usually around 100 feet long. On the real underneath the fly line is a couple hundred yards of “backing”. This adds volume to the spool and also gives the angler extra for line if a large fish makes a long run.

A leader is used between the end of the fly line in the fly. These leaders are generally tapered. This means they are thicker at the fly line and then they are at the fly and. This allows for easier casting and better presentation as the fly rolls out smoother. Most anglers use a short “bite tippet”. This is the same as the shock leader that almost all spin fisherman use. Leaders can be hand-tied, but most anglers purchase commercially prepared leaders.

Effective spotted sea trout fly patterns

Just as with artificial lures, there are countless fly patterns, colors, and sizes. However, anglers only need a couple different patterns in several colors to consistently catch fish in Florida. As with all fishing, the idea is to match the fly to the size and type of forage that the fish are feeding on. However, large bulky flies are difficult to cast, especially for the beginner.

The Clouser Minnow is arguably the most popular saltwater fly, and for good reason. It consists of dumbbell eyes which provide weight and give the fly action along with some buck tail or synthetic care dressing. The weight of the eyes gives it a jigging action in the water. The hairdressing can mimic most bait fish and crustaceans.

The Crystal Shrimp is another very effective fly. It is deadly for snook both out on the beach and went fishing the lighted docks and bridges at night. It also works very well on the beaches for false albacore as well as over the deeper grass flats for speckled trout and other species.

The D.T Special is the third of the “must-have”flies that the ladies fly fishing Florida use. It is unweighted and is a terrific bait fish imitator. This fly works very well for anglers fly fishing off the beach and is deadly in the inshore Gulf of Mexico for Spanish mackerel and false albacore. It also works very well anytime breaking fish are seen feeding on the surface, such as bluefish and ladyfish.

Fly casting for spotted sea trout

Fly casting is a skill, and some even call it an art. It really is not that difficult, once the basics are mastered. Wind is an issue when trying to fly fish. Even the most experienced fly anglers have trouble on breezy days. It is probably best for novice fly anglers to give it a try on days when the wind is calm.

There are many good resources that anglers can access to learn how to fly cast. So, I will not try to duplicate them here. YouTube videos are a great source. Anglers who choose to invest a few dollars in a fly casting and fly fishing course will find that a great investment. Do not wait to get out on the boat before trying to learn to cast! This will only lead to frustration and disappointment. Orvis offers classes throughout Florida.

Finally, it is time to go fishing! We have our seven weight rod, intermediate sink tip line, 9 foot tapered leader, and a #1 white and chartreuse Clouser tied on the end. We have practiced casting and can throw 40 feet to 50 feet of line. The best place to to catch fish on the fly for the novice angler are the deep grass flats.

Fly fishing the deep grass flats

Florida has many many acres of submerge grass beds and 3 feet of water to 10 feet of water. These flats hold just about every inshore saltwater species. This is where I fish on my Sarasota fishing charters for clients that are looking for action and variety. It is fairly easy fishing and does not require great fly casting skill. Speckled trout, bluefish, ladyfish and more provide great action.

The technique is quite simple. Anglers set up a drift where the wind and current will push the boat over the area to be finished. Fly anglers will do well to target water depth of 4 feet deep to 8 feet deep. It can be difficult to get a fly much deeper than that on a drifting boat.

Anglers want the wind to be over their casting shoulder. The vast majority of people are right-handed. Therefore, placing the angler on the bow the boat with the breeze over his or her right shoulder works the best. Obviously, the situation is reversed for a left handed caster.

As the boat drifts across, the fly line is cast out. The fly and line are then allowed to settle for several seconds. With the rod tip low to the water, the angler retrieves the fly back with the off hand. Again, a right-handed angler will have the rod in his or her right hand and will strip the line back in with the left hand. Once most of the fly line is retrieved, it will be cast out again in the process repeated.

Hooking fish on the fly

It is easy to tell when a fish takes the fly. The fly line really transmits the bite. When an angler gets bit, he or she pulls sharply with the stripping hand removing all the slack then the rod tip is raised up. This is called the “strip set”and is used in most saltwater fishing and even in freshwater fishing when using streamers.

Smaller fish are then brought in by hand stripping the line in. Larger fish may make a run taking up all the slack and getting on the reel. Once this occurs, the fish is then fought using the reel. Keep in mind that fly fishing reels are “single action”. This means that the real handle will go forward and backward, so keep your knuckles clear when a big fish makes it run.

In conclusion, this article on spotted sea trout fishing should help anglers catch more of these desirable and popular inshore saltwater fish!

Fishing for Redfish and Speckled Trout

Fishing for redfish and speckled trout, strategies for success!

Speckled trout and redfish are without a doubt two of the most popular inshore saltwater game fish. They inhabit the same waters, being plentiful from Chesapeake Bay to Texas. Anglers fishing for redfish and speckled trout mostly target them on the fertile, shallow flats. Both species feed on a wide variety of bait fish and crustaceans. While many tactics and baits will catch both species, there are some differences in habits. Therefore, they will be covered individually.

Fishing for redfish

Redfish are one of the most popular inshore species for inshore saltwater anglers, right up there was snook and speckled trout. Redfish inhabit the entire Southeast part of the United States, from Texas around to Florida and up as far as the mid Atlantic. They are an extremely popular game fish in all these areas.

Redfish are known by several different names depending on the geography. Red drum, channel bass, and puppy drum are several of the more popular ones. Here in Florida we simply call them redfish, or reds for short. They are found on the shallow grass flats where they school up. Redfish are often caught under docks and near other structure as well.

Fishing for redfish on the shallow flats.

Most anglers targeting redfish do so on the shallow grass flats, particularly those up in backwater areas. Tidal creeks are great spots as well. While the deeper grass flats attract speckled trout bluefish, Spanish mackerel and other species, reds prefer the shallower water.

Redfish begin to school up in large numbers in late summer and early fall. They will be found on the flats for a few months before migrating out into the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean to spawn. Many of these fish will be “over slot”. Redfish have an 18” minimum and a 27” maximum in most states.

Fishing in water that shallow presents some challenges. Fish are quite spooky when there’s barely enough water to cover their backs! This means that anglers must be stealthy when approaching them. Many shallow draft skiffs are specially designed to be extra quiet on the flats. Waiting is also a great way to sneak up on skittish redfish.

Effect of tides when fishing for redfish on the flats

Tides are critical when targeting redfish. Most anglers prefer a low, incoming tide. This tends to congregate the schools of redfish on the edges of bars and flats. They will also stage in what we call “potholes”. These are slight depressions in the shallow grass flats. The difference can be minimal, but enough to make a difference. A 3 foot depression on a flat that has 10 inches of water can hold an entire school of fish.

Fishing for redfish on a rising tide

As the tide rises, reds will move up onto the flats and scatter out. They are feeding but are also scattered out. This can make them difficult to locate. On the highest stage, of flood, tide, the fish will move way up under the mangroves. So, while it is easier to get the boat up on the flats on the higher stages of the tide, the fish are also much more difficult to locate.

Anglers targeting redfish in shallow water can be effective with both artificial lures and live bait. Artificial lures are generally best when prospecting for fish. The reason is simple, lures allow anglers to cover a lot of water much more quickly than they can do with live bait. Live bait can work very well once fish are located in a certain area.

Fishing for redfish with artificial lures

One of the most effective lures for locating redfish on a flat is the weedless spoon. The venerable Johnson Silver Minnow in the half ounce gold color has pulled many redfish over the years. It is a simple bait that can be cast a long way, is extremely weedless, and has a great fish attracting action. It has a large single hook which rides up in a weed guard covering the tip. There are many other manufacturers who produce quality weedless spoons as well. Local tackle shops will have a good selection of the most productive baits. A small black swivel is required when using spoons to help eliminate line twist.

Soft plastic baits can also be very effective when searching for redfish. They don’t cover quite as much water as spoons do as the bait is moved a bit more slowly. Soft plastic baits are more effective when the angler has a general idea of where the fish may be. Bass assassin makes a terrific line of soft plastic baits in a myriad of sizes and colors. A 4” to 5” bait is about the right size with both paddle tales and jerk worms style baits being effective.

Rigging soft plastic baits for redfish

Anglers have a choice in how they rigged their soft plastic baits. The most simple technique is to rigged the bait on a 1/16 ounce or 1/8 ounce jig head. The hook will ride up in the bait will generally be snag free, though it will pick up grass on the head.

Another option is a swim bait hook. These can be used to rigged the bait either Texas rigged while some have a weed guard. Both result in a fairly weedless presentation. These hooks also have a weight in the middle of the hook, resulting in the bait having a natural horizontal look.

Plugs can also be effective for redfish on the flats. If the water is very shallow, a foot or two deep, anglers will have to use top water plugs. While redfish have an inferior mouth, that means it is behind the nose pointing down. They will take a bait on the surface. Rapala Skitterwalk and Heddon Zara Spook baits are both very effective. Anglers working slightly deeper water or mangrove shorelines can score with a shallow diving plugs such as the Rapala X-Rap slashbait.

Fishing for redfish using live bait

There are situations where live bait can be more effective when fishing the shallow flats. As mentioned earlier, redfish will stage up in potholes on the lower tide stages. A large live shrimp fished in these holes can be deadly. Many anglers remove the tail and insert the hook in that area. This results in the shrimps natural juices dispersing into the pothole. A number one ought live bait hook and a light split shot is all that is required.

There is a technique here in Florida called “live bait chumming”. Anglers use their cast net to catch several hundred lively scaled sardines or threadfin herring. The boat is an anchored in a likely spot and every few minutes a handful of bait fish is tossed out. If redfish are around, they will usually respond to the chum. Plenty of snook are caught using this method as well.

It can be a bit overwhelming searching for reds on the shallow flats. There are just so many places that the fish can be! Many anglers believe that finding schools of mullet on the flats is a key to success. The thought is that the mullet stir up the bottom while swimming along, dislodging crabs and other forage from the weeds. This is a natural chum line that will attract redfish. Birds, bait fish, and other game fish are also signs of a lively redfish flat. Otherwise, it is just a matter of patience and experience.

Florida redfish fishing tips; docks hold reds!

Many redfish are caught by anglers fishing docks. Docks provide both cover and forage for redfish. Areas of Florida can be fairly developed, and this means many miles of residential canals and shorelines with docks. Just like with the flats, trial and error and experience will pay off in the long run.

I have found in my experience that the most productive redfish docks are in between four and 8 feet of water. Anglers who prefer casting artificial lures can use the trolling motor and slowly work a line of docks. A quarter ounce jig with a soft plastic body work well for this type of fishing. One days when the bite is tough, switching to a scented baits such as the Gulp Shrimp can make the difference.

Live bait produces redfish

It is tough to beat a live bait when fishing docks for redfish and other species. It gives anglers the opportunity to thoroughly work a good dock. A large live shrimp is a great year-round bait. They are easily acquired at local bait shops. A #1/0 live bait hook in a split shot or two is a simple and effective rig. An added bonus to this technique is that many other species will be caught as well. Snook, mangrove snapper, flounder, black drum, and other species will intercept a shrimp meant for a red.

Live bait fish can also be used effectively when targeting redfish under docks. The same live bait chumming method is deadly on redfish and snook when implemented around the dock. A 3 inch pin fish or grunt can also be deadly and will usually catch larger fish. The downside to using live bait fish is that anglers in most instances will have to catch their own.

Redfish fishing tackle

Tackle for targeting redfish is pretty straightforward. The same outfits that are used for speckled trout and snook fishing will do fine when pursuing redfish. A 7 foot medium action rod with a 3000 series real spooled with 15 pound monofilament or 20 pound braided line works well. As in other forms of saltwater fishing, a 30 inch piece of 30 pounds fluorocarbon leader is used.

Redfish to follow a seasonal pattern. In the winter most reds are caught in canals, creeks, and under docks in the backwater areas. In spring they scatter out onto the flats. Most fish will be in very small pods. By late summer they are schooled up into larger numbers on the flats before moving out into the Gulf. In the fall, reds can be anywhere, flats, Gulf, and backwater spots. Redfish are tightly managed. Anglers can find current regulations HERE.

Speckled trout fishing techniques

This blog post will focus on fishing ladies speckled trout fishing. Speckled trout are arguably the most popular saltwater inshore game fish on the entire Gulf Coast. Speckled trout are aggressive, plentiful, strike hard, and taste great. They are also a very beautiful fish!

Why are speckled trout so popular? Speckled trout are a beautiful and great eating fish. They are caught using a wide variety of baits and fishing techniques. Both artificial lures and live baits are very productive as is fly fishing. Trout are widely distributed and available along the coast line from Texas to Maryland. Speckled trout are normally caught on the grass flats in Sarasota where I fish. They are also caught on shallow oyster bars and holes, especially the larger specimens.

Fishing for speckled trout: Tackle and baits

Spinning tackle is the most popular type of tackle used when targeting speckled trout. Spinning tackle is very versatile, allowing anglers to cast very light lures and baits along with heavier lures such as plugs and spoons. A 6 1/2 foot to 7 foot medium action spinning rod with a 3000 series real is a great combination. 10 pound monofilament line or 20 pound braided line fills to school.

One of the oldest and still most productive techniques is a popping cork rig. A popping cork is a float that makes a noisy popping sound when twitched sharply. A live bait or even and artificial lure is then fished 2 feet to 3 feet under the float. This noise simulates the sound that fish make when feeding on the surface. It excites speckled trout and other species, calling them to the bait.

The most commonly used bait under a popping cork is a live shrimp. I would venture to say that more trout were landed using a live shrimp under a popping cork that all other angling methods combined. The reason is simple; it is deadly effective. The float calls the fish in to the bait and suspends the shrimp just above the grass. It also gives anglers a visual aid as the float disappears when a speckled trout takes the shrimp. Popping corks come in a wide variety of designs, colors, and shapes, but they all work the same.

Speckled trout live bait rigs and tackle

A # 1/0 live bait hook works well when fishing live shrimp for trout. If current or wind is present, a small split shot may be required a foot or so above the hook. Shrimp are hooked in the head just under the horn and in front of the brain. This keeps the shrimp alive and kicking, however, hopefully not for very long!

Live bait fish can be used under a popping cork as well. A 2 inch to 3 inch live grunt or live pin fish works very well and will often catch larger trout that shrimp will. The smaller 12 inch to 15 inch trout will not usually take these larger baits. They are also ignored by bait stealers such as pin fish, blowfish, and other undesirable species.

Speckled trout fishing with lures

Lastly, artificial lures are used under these noisy floats as well. Artificial shrimp such as the Gulp Shrimp work well under a popping cork. Gulp Shrimp are heavily scented and fish almost the same as a live shrimp does. Other manufacturers make very lifelike artificial shrimp. A soft plastic shad tail bait on a very light jig head can also be a productive combination.

Speaking of the jig and grub combination, it is without a doubt the most popular artificial lure for anglers targeting speckled trout. Trout love the action of these lures! The lure is cast out and allowed to fall a few feet. It is and jerked up a foot or so and allowed to fall again. Trout and other game fish find this action deadly and in most instances will take the bait as it falls.

Soft plastic baits come in a myriad of sizes and colors. Don’t get overwhelmed, they are all basically the same and are all effective when fished correctly. Jigs come in weights. Most of the trout in my area are caught between 5 and 8 feet deep. This makes a 1/4 ounce jig the best choice. In my opinion, jig head color matters very little. However, white, and chartreuse are the most popular colors. I have caught countless trout using an unpainted jig head.

Speckled trout take jigs and other artificial lures

Three inch paddle tail or shad tail grubs are the most popular. Twister tail baits can be effective, however pin fish will oftentimes dip the tail off. This can be true of shad tail baits as well. Glow, chartreuse, white, pink, olive, root beer, and new penny are the most popular colors. I believe in the “clear water light color and darker lures and darker water” theory. But, presentation and location are the overriding factors.

Plugs catch plenty of speckled trout as well. One downside to using plugs are the multiple trouble hooks. This can make releasing speckled trout a bit more complicated and may damage the fish. Since most of the speckled trout caught will be released this is a factor to consider. Treble hooks can be replaced with single hooks. Suspending plugs such as the MirrOlure MirroDine are the most productive plugs. Top water plugs early and late in the day fished over shallow bars will catch some trophy speckled trout.

Spoons are another productive artificial lure when fishing the grass flats for speckled trout. Anglers fishing the deeper flats normally opt for a half ounce gold or silver spoon with an open treble hooks. Those seeking larger trout in shallow water will do better with a half ounce gold weedless spoon.

Fishing for speckled trout: Techniques

Most anglers in the area that I fish here in Sarasota, Florida choose to drift fish when targeting speckled trout. The reason for this is that the areas we fish are large expanses of open water with grass on the bottom. Drifting is just the most efficient way to cover the water and locate the fish. The best approach is to choose a flat where the wind and tide will move the boat in the same direction. This makes for an efficient drift. Once a productive area is located, anglers can anchor. Most choose to re-drift the area after motoring back around.

As stated earlier, anglers seeking larger fish will do best fishing shallower water. This might sound contradictory, but larger fish are found in shallower water while the schools of smaller to average sized fish are found in the deeper water. The theory is that these larger fish are loners and do not need the protection of the school.

Oyster bars and shallow flats on the higher tide stages are prime areas to catch a larger speckled trout. Top water plugs early in the morning are productive and will produce some explosive strikes. Weedless spoons and light weedless soft plastic baits are also effective. Live bait is difficult to fish in this very shallow water, with the exception being casting live shrimp into open potholes.

More speckled trout techniques

In the wintertime speckled trout may move off of the flats if the water temperature dips down into the low 50s. They will migrate to nearby channels and deeper canals where the water temperature is warmer near the bottom. Fish can be difficult to locate when this happens. However when a school is located the action will be fast and furious. A live shrimp or jig bounced on the bottom will produce.

Anglers to catch speckled trout at night as well. The proven technique is to fish lighted docks but especially area bridges. Most bridges have streetlights and the shadow line where the shadow hits the lighted water on the up current side is generally the most productive spot. Anglers can anchor in the spot and cast live shrimp or jigs out. This is a great way to beat the summer heat.

Fly fishing for speckled trout

Speckled trout are great fish to target on fly as well. The best all round outfit is a 7wt combo with an intermediate clear sink tip line. An 8 foot leader with a 20 pound bite tippet works well and is easy to cast. Since most trout will be caught several feet below the surface, weighted flies work best. The venerable Clouser Deep Minnow is a great choice. But, just about any waited pattern will produce.

The technique when fly fishing is pretty much the same as spin fishing. The fly is cast ahead of the drifting boat, then retrieved back and using short strips. The best cast is one that is 45° to the boat and not straight out. This makes it easier for the fly angler to keep up with the slack as the boat drifts towards the fly. Fly fishing also works very well in the lights when night fishing. Speckled trout regulations can be seen HERE.

In closing, this article on speckled trout fishing techniques will help you c

Fishing for redfish and speckled trout in Steinhatchee Florida

This article shares Steinhatchee Florida fishing tips, with Vanessa catching speckled trout and redfish on the shallow flats. The Steinhatchee River empties into the gulf of Mexico in Florida’s Big Bend area. This is a less populated area of Florida that offers fantastic fishing!

The Steinhatchee River empties into the Gulf of Mexico in a spot known as Deadman’s Bay. This area of Florida does not have beaches and thus gets much less tourist traffic than other parts of the state. That equates to less fishing pressure as well. This area is a sportsman’s paradise, offering fantastic opportunities for fishing, hunting, and scalloping.

Several rivers empty into the Gulf of Mexico in this area, including the Steinhatchee, Suwanee, and St. Mark’s. These rivers bring nutrients to the fertile grass flats. The geography underwater is unique in that it has a very gradual slope. Water depth averages about 1 foot per mile from shore in this area. That means that lush grass flats extend for miles from the shoreline.

Steinhatchee speckled trout and redfish

Speckled trout and redfish are the primary game fish on the flats of Steinhatchee. This is ideal habitat for both species as countless square miles of flats abound. There are also some natural ledges offshore that hold grouper, snapper, and other species. Artificial reefs about 10 miles from shore offer anglers the same opportunities.

The flats off of the Steinhatchee River offer anglers the opportunity to catch several other species along with the trout and reds. Bluefish, Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, pompano, and ladyfish are just a few of the species that migrate along the Florida coast.

The fertile flats off of Steinhatchee offer the species a great spot to feed on their way north and then again on their way south. While most anglers target trout and redfish, these other species can provide great action as well. Anglers seeking the ultimate challenge can choose to targed the elusive giant tarpon.

Steinhatchee fishing tackle

Tackle requirements for fishing the Steinhatchee area are pretty basic. A 6 1/2 foot to 7 foot spinning rod with a 3000 series reel spooled up with 10 pound monofilament line or 20 pound braided line will get the job done and catch just about every species available. A 24 inch piece of shock leader should be used as well. 25 pound test is a good all-around size.

Vanessa offers some advice to any angler visiting the Steinhatchee area. Quite simply, it is all about the shrimp! Shrimp are the main forage of every species that lives in her migrate through this area. Anglers using live shrimp or artificial lures that mimic shrimp will experience success.

No matter where an angler is fishing in Florida, is tough to beat a live shrimp. Steinhatchee is no exception. However, due to the abundance of shallow flats, angling techniques need to be adjusted. When using live shrimp, many anglers fish a shrimp for trout and redfish 2 feet under a noisy cork. The cork makes a “popping” sound which simulates feeding fish. It attracts game fish to the bait. This combination is deadly everywhere in Florida.

Shrimp are the key live bait in Steinhatchee

Vanessa prefers to free line her live shrimp. Using just a hook with no weight, the shrimp is allowed to swim naturally. Anglers must pay attention to the line and keep the shrimp up out of the grass. However, she feels that is it more fun and challenging to present a shrimp in this manner.

Vanessa enjoys casting artificial lures as well. Her favorite lure is the Gulp Shrimp. Since live shrimp are the primary forage of most game fish, it makes sense to use an artificial lure that mimics this forage. She fishes it on an unweighted, weedless #1/0 hook. The lure is cast out, allowed to sink, and slowly worked over the top of the grass.

One mistake many novice anglers make is working the shrimp too fast. Shrimp normally swim around at a fairly slow pace. They do not jerk up and down in three or 4 foot movements. A slower, more subtle approach will generally catch more fish as it is a much more lifelike presentation.

The jig and grub combo works well in Steinhatchee, as it does throughout the entire Gulf Coast. These lures mimic shrimp and other crustaceans that trout and reds feed on. Jig head weights can be matched to the depth of water that is being fished. Light 1/16 and 1/8 ounce jig heads work well in shallow water while ¼ ounce jigs are the best choice on the deeper flats. Color favorites vary, but Vanessa prefers red and white.

Pinfish produce in Steinhatchee, too

Pin fish are the other bait that Vanessa recommends to visiting anglers. Pin fish can be caught relatively quickly with a tiny hook in a piece of shrimp. However, Vanessa prefers to put out a pin fish trap, go fish for a couple hours, then come back and collect the bait. This saves some valuable fishing time.

Vanessa has a secret trick that makes a pinfish irresistible to redfish and speckled trout. She actually bites the tail (yes, using her mouth) of the pinfish off. The now injured bait fish acts erratically and this drastically increased that chance that it gets hit.

Pin fish work very well under a float. Without the float, the pin fish will dive down into the grass and get snagged. Pin fish tend to catch less fish but will generally attract larger specimens. Speckled trout in particular will be attracted to these larger bait fish as they provide more of a meal than a shrimp will.

Plugs that imitate pin fish will catch speckled trout, redfish, and other species. The venerable MirrOlure was invented in the Big Bend area of Florida. It is a slow sinking and suspending bait. When twitched, it jerks forward then hangs there motionless. This action drives fish crazy and triggers the strikes as it realistically imitates a helpless bait fish.

Steinhatchee Florida fishing tips; seasons

Spring and fall are the best times to fish the flats of Steinhatchee. Speckled trout spawn in mid to late spring and are abundant on the grass flats. Redfish will be available, but will be scattered out and not schooled up in big numbers. The deeper edges of the flats will attract bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and other species. Same goes for the offshore artificial reefs, they will hold bait fish which in turn will attract the predator game fish.

Anglers fishing Steinhatchee in the summer need to get up early, for couple of reasons. For one, it is hot! The best bite will usually be in early one, especially on the morning high tide. This is a great time to throw a top water plug for a trophy trout or big redfish. By mid-morning, the bite will slow down in the scallopers will show up. That is the second reason for getting out there early; scallop fishing is very popular in this area. It attracts many visitors which of course means more boat traffic.

Fall fishing in Steinhatchee

Fall fishing and Steinhatchee is nothing short of fantastic! Cooler weather means lower water temperatures which really turns the bite on. The bite is normally best from mid-afternoon until dark. It is also much more comfortable for anglers to be out on the water all day this time of year. It seldom rains in most morning start out a bit cool then warming up nicely throughout the day.

Redfish school up in big numbers in preparation for their spawning run in September and October. It is great sport to sight cast these large schools of fish as they wake across the shallow flats. However, they can be spooky and at times difficult to catch. Anglers who patiently stalk the fish and make long casts will have more success. A gold weedless spoon is an excellent lure for targeting redfish in the shallow water.

River speckled trout

Anglers visiting Steinhatchee in the late fall can experience something that is truly remarkable. Large numbers of big gator trout migrate off of the shallow flats and into the deeper waters of the Steinhatchee River. Vanessa can personally vouch for that! The outside bends in the rivers have deeper holes. This water is quite warmer then the water on the exposed shallow flats. Trout will seek out is warmer water as refuge from winter cold fronts.

The action can be spectacular once a school of these large trout is located. An artificial shrimp, live shrimp, or jig bounced on the bottom should provide great action. It is important to treat these fish with respect! Keeping a fish or two for dinner is fine, but these are breeder fish and are important for the future of the species. Florida fishing regulations can be found at the FWC site.

Winter river trout fishing in Steinhatchee

Winter fishing is all about the weather, pure and simple. Successful anglers will adapt to the ever changing weather conditions. As cold fronts move through, they bring when which will stir up the flats. This results in dirty, muddy water. This results in fishing on the flats being pretty slow, though persistent anglers can sometimes find clean water. Under these conditions, it is best to target fish in the river.

However, after a couple nice days, the water will settle down. As it clears up and warms up, the bite will resume on the grass flats. Oyster bars that drop off into deeper water or the edges of flats and 4 foot of water to 5 feet of water will generally be more productive than the very shallow flats. Fishing can be very good several days after the front as the fish have not fed for a couple days. As the next cold front approaches, the cycle will repeat itself.

This article will feature our ladies fishing inshore Carolina. Speckled trout, flounder, and Red and black drum are four very popular inshore saltwater species. They are found on the East Coast of the United States from Maryland down to Florida. They are also popular along the entire Gulf Coast. These fish are prized along the coastal Carolinas.

Fishing for redfish and speckled trout in Carolina

Both red and black drum are similar in habits, though they do have their differences. Both have an “inferior mouth”which basically means the nose protrudes past the mouth. This is a great indication of the way that drum feed. They scour the bottom in search of crustaceans, but also feed on bait fish as well.

Speckled trout love oyster bars as well. They feed on the same shrimp, crabs, and bait fishing as do the other species. They are also found over flats and along channel edges. Grass flats, where occurring, will hold speckled trout as well.

Flounder are a bottom species that are highly prized for their snow-white fillets. They bury in the mud and ambush their prey as the current brings it past. They prefer sand and mud bottoms right off the edge of oyster bars and other structures. Flounder also are found in inlets, channels, and around bridges and docks. They prefer areas that have increased current flow.

Sierra has spent a lot of time fishing the inshore waters of North Carolina and knows them well. She loves the shallow water fishing environment in which drum, trout, and flounder live and thrive in. Sierra is sharing her experience and enjoys helping other anglers achieve success.

Differences in the two drums

Red drum are known by several other names throughout the United States. Smaller red drum are known as “puppy drum”. These are found at many local restaurants that offer fresh caught seafood. Larger red drum are known as “channel bass”. In Florida and along the Gulf Coast red drums are simply called “reds” or “redfish”. They are all the same species and can be caught using the same methods.

While red drum to have an inferior mouth, they can be quite aggressive. Many are taken by anglers casting artificial lures, even top water plugs. Depending on the season and location, red drum can be caught in large schools or as singles. Red drum are very good to eat, especially fish in the 18 inch to 24 inch range. Late summer is the best time to catch a large red drum.

Black drum are a bit less aggressive than red drum. Most black drum are caught by anglers using natural bait as opposed to artificial lures. Crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs are the top baits. However, they can be caught on minnows and cut bait as well. They can be induced to take and artificial lure, though not as readily as a red drum. Smaller black drum are delicious, however the larger specimens can get wormy.

Fishing in Carolina, tackle

The same tackle that most anglers use for their general inshore saltwater fishing will be fine for targeting red and black drum. Sierra’s favorite outfit is a 7 foot medium action Fenwick HMG rod with a 3000 series Penn Battle or Shimano Stradic reel. She spools the real up with 10 pound test power Pro rated line and a 20 pound test fluorocarbon leader.

Both red drum and black drum along with speckled trout and flounder are caught in the same basic locations. Oyster bars are prime spots as there is plentiful forage such as shrimp, crabs and bait fish. Flats in 2 feet to 4 feet of water with oyster bars and stumps are prime locations. All four species can also be caught around deeper structure such as docks and bridges. Fish will school up along rock jetties at the inlets as well.

Fishing inshore Carolina, artificial baits

Sierra prefers to target trout, flounder, and drum in shallow water. She prefers casting artificial lures in this environment is better suited for that technique. The Johnson Silver Minnow has been catching red drum for decades. Sierra prefers the 1/8th ounce size in Nickel blue and gold. Paddle tail jigs are another of her favorite baits. She likes the D.O.A CAL Shad Tail baits in rootbeer/chartreuse and Electric Chicken colors. Both baits put out a lot a vibration which draw the fish to the lure.

Artificial baits have one primary advantage over live baits; they allow anglers to Cover a lot of water in a relatively short amount of time. The Johnson spoon in particular is a very effective search bait. Anglers can cast a long way and cover a lot of water, eliminating unproductive areas quickly. Once fish are located, it can be great fun to catch them on a top water plug. This is particularly true on a high tide.

The jig and grub combo has been a favorite bait of inshore anglers for a long time. It is a proven bait that catches a wide variety of species. Sierra likes the D.O.A Premium jig head jig in the 1/8 ounce sizes. It is paired with pearl, white, or glow Gulp Swimming Mullet. The best retrieve is one where the jig is bounced along the bottom in short “hops”.

Fishing for redfish and trout in Carolina with live bait

Live bait certainly accounts for a lot of fish for anglers fishing the inshore waters of the Carolinas. Live shrimp are the number one bait followed by mud mullets. These baits can be fished under a popping cork, with a Carolina rig, or even free lined. Current strength and water depth will determine the best rig to use.

A live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly for just about every inshore species. The cork is placed 2 feet above a #1/0 live bait hook. The rig is cast out and allowed to settle. The rod tip is then twitched sharply a couple of times. The noise the cork makes simulates feeding fish and will draw game fish to the bait. Popping corks work best and water shallower than 6 feet deep.

A Carolina rigs consist of the weight with a hole in it, a swivel, a 30 inch piece of 20lb-30lb leader, and a #/1/0 live bait hook. The line slides through the sinker than the swivel is attached. The leader with the hook on it is tied to the other end of the swivel. This rig allows the fish to pick up the bait and move off with it without feeling the resistance of the weight. This rig is very effective for flounder and both red and black drum along with other species. Both live bait and cut bait work well using this technique.

Importance of tides when fishing inshore Carolina

Tides are very important when fishing inshore. Incoming tides have the fish moving up on oyster bars and flats in search of forage. On the high tide, fish will be scattered all over the flats. As the tide begins to fall, fish will stage in strategic spots where they can ambush prey. By the low tide, they will have moved to the deeper holes and channels. Successful anglers understand how tides affect fish movements and adjust accordingly.

In closing, this article on our ladies fishing inshore Carolina should help anglers understand the techniques and baits that will help anglers catch more fish!

Tag: speckled trout fishing

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